The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread

Since we're talking about Abarths, how about three of them in one autocross?
Our SCCA region was at Darlington SC yesterday, and I'm proud to report that one of the other guys, a very experienced driver, finished first overall in PAX time in his Abarth!

The two other guys drove in STC, they have lowered their cars among other mods, and mine in Rosso is in Street, basically stock.

All three cars were on Dunlop Direzza ZII tires, and it was great having more Fiats to hang out and watch driving.

I admit I was the slowest of the four Fiat drivers on the day, since I had a co-driver who also beat me, but it was a blast! Our region's next event will be April 27th at the Michelin Proving Grounds in upstate SC, on a gigantic asphalt lot that everyone loves to drive.

In the Street categories we have some tough competition with the 260hp Ford Focus ST, but I'll have to guess that the ability of the driver still makes the difference.
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I have to say I have put 100 miles on this little thing and it is a blast. Time to start tinkering with it, not sure how far I'm going with it yet.

 

As I was pulling out of a parking garage yesterday a black Abarth was coming in and it sounded great with the sound bouncing off the garage walls!

 

Haven't been able to drive my Abarth in over a month due to my toe about falling off. Went to the doc today and he said two more weeks. Been getting by with the Maserati. Miss my little Abarth though.

 

Yesterdays champagne birthday gift to myself, signed the deal on a 14' Abarth. $3400 off MSRP (girlfriend signed for a 14' 500C as well, $3500 off her car) Although I've got a solid 3-4 months wait until I see it. I did however get the exact specs I wanted (over one 13' they had left) and now that will give me some time to accumulate a few new parts for it...can't wait!

 

Now THAT'S what I call a birthday present! Well done! How did you spec it out?

 

Yeah it's my first brand new car so I'm pretty excited...

Spec are as follow:

-Comfort/Convenience group
-16x6.5 WGE wheels in hyper black (new option for 14' I was told, from the Tenebra concept car)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn6fGjdq8oE/UoEE9am20fI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/VE5mipStSCA/s800/Fiat500USA.com-hyperblack_16_inch.jpg
-Power Sunroof
-Beats Audio
-Nero Puro (straight black) on black/red stitch cloth interior
-Tinted windows

Didn't want any stripes or coloured mirrors and once it arrives, going to order sticky tires, exhaust and lowering springs then go drive the wheels off it!

 

Those are sweet looking wheels. Nice score!

 

Ditto!

 

Have fun with it I am just starting to take mine apart. Lots of stuff you can do to this little thing but if you are not wanting to go crazy rear sway bar and SS kit will do a lot for a little.

 

Is there a reason for going with 16" wheels other than the appearance of these particular ones? For example, is there a wider variety of tires available in 16" compared to 17"?

 

16" wheels are stock. 17" cost over 1000 more.

 

First reason being that I liked the appearance, but my main motivation was that if I was going to spend $1000+ for 17's then I wanted different wheels then the factory options. But $300 was cheap enough that I figured I'd at least get the 16's I wanted until I decided whether I want aftermarket 17's or not.

As well, were likely going to get a set of 16's for my girlfriends 500c so the new tires I have will come off to go on her new wheels and I will replace them with something more aggressive.

 

Just did my first oil change at 6600 miles. Stopped by a Chrysler dealer to buy the filter then to WalMart for some Mobil1. Noticed at WalMart they sell the correct Mopar filer for it for about $7! Not quite like servicing Ferraris.....
It is a tight engine bay but fun car to tinker on.

 

My dealer gave me 3 years of free oil changes.

 

Got it, thanks. I am getting a left over 2013 Abarth, but I like those 16" wheels on your 2014. I may try to get those as a second set for winter tires..

 

Changing my 17"out to OZ at almost 5lbs lighter per corner it will make quite a difference on this little car.

 

I would do a mid engine 500 With the 1.7l just as Renault did to their 5. It would be awesome.

 

Horsepower and throttle response can be remedied for about $1100 with a little tuning from Magnetti Marelli.

FIAT 500 ABARTH Power Pack - Magneti Marelli Engine Controller and Power Pedal w/ Remote Combo - FIAT 500 Parts and Accessories

Some people here have installed both these and have given really good reviews.

500Madness sells similar tuning boxes under their own brand for less which have also received good reviews.


Mark

 

500Madness has a couple of different short shifter kits listed on their website. Is there a "best" one? Can anyone recommend a specific brand?

 

On a positive note for Fiat, sales were up 25% this March and outselling Mini again by over 1,000 units.

I guess the Fiat 500L is slowly gaining some traction.

March 2014: Better Weather Is On The Horizon Edition - Autoblog

 

Best month for FIAT since they have returned to the US too!

Fiat 2014 March Sales Best Ever! | Fiat 500 USA

 

Just wait until the new 500x comes out.
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Very interested to know how this works out for you I have been considering this ;-)

 

Good news, I guess Fiat is doing something right!

I always believed Mini's were overpriced and overrated, I guess people noticed you can have just as much fun for less.